Natalie Balmori spent Winter Break in Nicaragua taking care of locals’ pets.
The UF biology sophomore was one of four UF students who went on a veterinary mission to take care of pets in other countries. The students, who went with the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy in Nicaragua, spayed, neutered and dewormed animals for about 10 days. The trip cost $1,750 per student.
Students learned stitching patterns used during surgery, how to take and record vitals, give medicines and perform exam routines, the 19-year-old said.
“I helped out in spays and neuters and administered medication, which is something I never really did before.” Balmori said.
Renee Molina, the director of the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, said students created a lasting impact on the Nicaraguan community.
“It gives them invaluable hands-on experience,” Molina said.
Kelly Parrish, a veterinary junior at Auburn University, led the group in Nicaragua. She said the community wouldn’t have access to veterinary services without the students.
“I definitely think that the pet populations were healthier in the town where we have been doing clinics for several years than in the town we just started in,” the 24-year-old said.
While students are learning a lot, they also bond with the animals they care for, Balmori said. She said she’ll always remember the first dog she took care of in Nicaragua.
“He was our very first patient, and we had to get his catheter in,” Balmori said. “I got it in perfectly on the first try, and that is something that’s pretty difficult to do. I took care of him pre- and post-op and, I don’t know, I guess I got very attached because he was my first patient.”
